Exploring Surface Temperature

Recommended for Elementary.

Introduction

While playing outside, have you ever noticed that some clothing colors feel warmer than others in similar weather conditions? You also may have noticed something similar with car temperature. The exterior and interior of different colored cars feel cooler than others on hot days.

It all has to do with the wavelengths of light from the sun and how different colors absorb those wavelengths. Some colors absorb more than others. Once the light wavelengths reach the object’s surface, the energy is transformed to heat, and the object becomes warmer. Some colors reflect light wavelengths more than others and therefore stay cooler.

In this experiment, you will explore the surface temperatures of different colors of construction paper and use a Surface Temperature Sensor to collect data.